No fewer than 50 women drawn from the 23 local government areas of Benue State have begun training in souvenir and crochet making.
The training is being handled by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in the state and is expected to last for five days.
The Director General of NDE, Alhaji Abubakar Fikpo disclosed this during the flag off of the training in Makurdi, capital city of Benue State on Monday
Represented by the State Coordinator of NDE, Apochi Ubah Mathew, the DG said that the training of the 50 women was meant to provide an enabling environment for women to acquire lasting skills in the fight against unemployment in the country.
Fikpo stated that the training was simultaneously being held for a total of 720 women in souvenir making across 24 states and 240 women in crochet making across 12 states of the federation.
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The NDE boss added that of the total number, 30 of the women for souvenir and 20 others for the crochet are being trained in Benúe.
He said that the training would enhance the capabilities of the women to develop passion for trending skills, help them start their own micro business ventures, improve on their economic well-being and help them to become self reliant while promoting tourism and cultural heritage.
He said, “Through these schemes, women are provided with opportunities to develop their basic business management abilities. By producing and selling Souvenirs and Crochet making materials, they not only create a unique platform for self-expression but also contribute to the local economy by promoting tourism and cultural heritage.
Earlier, the Head of Department, Small Scale Enterprises (SSE) department of the NDE in Benue State, Dr Abeje Mfam, urged the trainees to pay attention during the training in order to gain the free knowledge made available to them by the federal government.
Ufam said the trainees would be able to set up their own businesses in future and earn money if they make efforts to learn well during the training.
One of the beneficiaries, who simply identified herself as Jessica and spoke on behalf of her colleagues appreciated the NDE for the opportunity given them and promised that they will utilise the training for maximum benefits.